VehicleVerdict

2020 Ford Explorer brakes problems

The 2020 Ford Explorer has 83 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 5% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

83

Brakes complaints

5%

Share of year

4

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Brakes complaints by year

Explorer brakes complaints by model year310 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 1 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 151 complaints1992: 142 complaints1993: 276 complaints1994: 310 complaints1995: 94 complaints1996: 149 complaints1997: 106 complaints1998: 102 complaints1999: 89 complaints2000: 72 complaints2001: 37 complaints2002: 136 complaints2003: 49 complaints2004: 54 complaints2005: 18 complaints2006: 41 complaints2007: 12 complaints2008: 8 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 15 complaints2011: 29 complaints2012: 20 complaints2013: 40 complaints2014: 27 complaints2015: 32 complaints2016: 19 complaints2017: 22 complaints2018: 10 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 83 complaints2021: 22 complaints2022: 14 complaints2023: 6 complaints2025: 13 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Explorer brakes complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

23V199000BrakesMarch 24, 2023 · 674 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Consequence

Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.

19V575000BrakesAugust 5, 2019 · 13,896 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."

Consequence

Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

Common questions

How many brakes complaints does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA has 83 complaints about the 2020 Ford Explorer brakes — 5% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer brakes?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the brakes: 19V575000, 23V199000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.